Zanzibar North Coast – Tanzania Diving

About Zanzibar – North Coast (Nungwi & Kendwa)

The North Coast of Zanzibar, centred on the beach towns of Nungwi and Kendwa, is the diving capital of the island offering world-class reef systems within the Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve. The atoll features seven distinct dive sites ranging from the shallow calm Aquarium for beginners to the dramatic Big Wall dropping to 70 metres with giant groupers and barracuda. Beyond the atoll, the offshore Leven Bank seamount delivers extraordinary pelagic action with potato cod and grey reef sharks, while Tumbatu Island offers pristine hard coral walls rarely dived by visitors. The combination of white sand beaches, turquoise water, excellent dive infrastructure with multiple PADI centres, and the legendary Mnemba Atoll makes this region the premier diving destination in Tanzania. Water temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius with visibility typically between 15 and 35 metres during the dry season from June to February. Night diving at the Coral Gardens and macro exploration at Hungu Reef add variety to an already exceptional diving programme.

Highlights

• ✓Mnemba Atoll Marine Reserve with seven distinct world-class dive sites
• ✓Leven Bank offshore seamount with potato cod and grey reef sharks
• ✓Big Wall dropping to 70 metres with giant groupers and barracuda
• ✓Tumbatu Island pristine hard coral walls rarely dived
• ✓White sand beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa with excellent resort infrastructure
• ✓Night diving at Coral Gardens and macro exploration at Hungu Reef

Getting There

Zanzibar's North Coast is accessed via Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Stone Town, then a 60-minute road transfer to Nungwi or Kendwa. International flights connect through Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, Doha, and Istanbul. Some resorts offer direct airport transfers. The northern beaches are also accessible by local dala-dala minibus or private taxi from Stone Town.